Book flights to Munich

The number-one attraction in Munich has to be the Residenz Museum, home to Bavaria's Wittelsbach dynasty from 1508 until the outbreak of the First World War. Tours start in the Grottenhof or “Grotto Court”, with its spectacular Perseus Fountain, and wander around 90 rooms filled with some of the most remarkable treasures in the country. Allow plenty of time, as there is a lot to see.

Munich is a city of palaces, the most popular of which is Schloss Nymphenburg, a sprawling baroque structure set in magnificent grounds. Once home of the Bavarian kings, it is now open to the public, and houses several museums, including the Marstallmuseum, the Museum Mensch und Natur, the Erwin von Kreibig-Museum, and the Porzellanmuseum München.

Most local residents head to the parks around Schloss Nymphenburg on weekends, but there are also plenty of museums to visit during your trip to Munich. The Glyptothek on Königsplatz 3 is the place to be if you love classical art, while car enthusiasts should head to the BMW Welt and Museum, next to Olympiapark. This is a petrol-head’s dream, filled with motorbikes, cars and exhibits charting the history of one of Germany’s most famous four-wheeled exports. There are opportunities to tour the factory and see where the motoring magic begins.

Munich is also an excellent base from which to explore the breathtaking countryside and forests of Bavaria. Head for Germany's highest mountain, Zugspitze, for some outstanding skiing.

Bavarian food is meat-centric, but there are a few vegetarian restaurants in the city. Bavaria (and Munich in particular) is well known for its sweet pastries and pies, which are available in bakeries on almost every street. Try sweets such as Dampfnudeln and Bayerische Crème.

International cuisine is also available, and during your trip to Munich you can eat your way around the world, from the Orient to Africa. The city even has its own Tibetan restaurant, if you have a hankering for fermented yak’s milk.

Germans have a fondness for flea markets, and one of the best is Raritäten & Sammlungsobjekte on Müllerstrasse 33. And Flohmarkt Riem, on Willy-Brandt-Platz, is the ideal place to uncover a treasure-trove of antiques and Bavarian novelties that you won’t find anywhere else. However, if you’re looking for some retail therapy that’s a little more mainstream when travelling to Munich, then head to the streets surrounding the city centre, Maximilianstraße, Residenzstraße, and Theatinerstraße all have the right credentials when it comes to luxury and designer goods.

The pedestrian zone from Karlsplatz Stachus to Marienplatz is the main retail area for mid-priced purchases, and is home to plenty of department stores and independent boutiques.